Mary Ann Pothier and Dr. Peter Timm were champions of fun at community events. 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Much loved long-time Dixon Veterinarian Peter Timm, whose great-grandfather immigrated to this area from Denmark in the late 19th century, has died. He was 79-years-young.

Dr. Timm was born and raised here, graduating from Dixon High School in 1961 and from UC Davis Veterinary School, opening Dixon Veterinary Clinic in 1971 on Pedrick Road. The small and simple rustic clinic’s walls are filled with framed art from grandchildren and numerous notes of appreciation.

He was quite involved in the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, often moderating candidate forums as chair of the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee and was selected Citizen of the Year for 2005.

Dr. Timm never retired. He was a strong man, well-respected in our community, and despite his sometimes-matter-of-fact style, he was known for his sensitivity and deep compassion with our animals from small rabbits to horses.

Around 2008, a horse jumped out of a chute, accidentally landing on Dr. Timm and breaking Timm’s leg, some ribs, and causing other injuries. It was reported in the Vacaville Reporter, that Dr. Timm stopped working as much with large animals but when he had a heart valve replaced, he pretty much stopped doing large animal work.

In 2016, after a night at the Dixon Game and Conservation Club annual Crab Dinner at the May Fair, Dr. Timm was struck by a vehicle but amazingly walked away with minor injuries and was back at work the following Monday.

Then a couple years later he had heart valve surgery.  But the man seemed to easily recover and continued to work, travel, and enjoy downtown wine strolls. He was still known to make house calls.

Most recently, he enjoyed Crossword Puzzle challenges and pleasant evenings with longtime companion, Pothier.

He also planned a trip to New Zealand to visit a few weeks with a former exchange student that had lived out at the ranch during his high school stay. Despite suggestions that he not make the trip, in Peter Timm style, he went anyway. Upon his return, he fell more ill and chose to stay with his long-time companion, Mary Ann Pothier. He passed quietly on Tuesday, April 16.

Word spread throughout Dixon within hours of his passing.

“So many of us have been connected for most of our lives, if not all,” said Linda Barret Thomas. “He was great. He kept it real. It’s the end of an era.” she said quietly. She shared a touching story about an injured lamb before May Fair where Peter soothed distraught owners. Several residents shared stories.

“Peter’s father, Olin Timm, and my father both graduated in 1931. Peter and I graduated in 1961 which shows that a lot of people like to stay where their roots are,” said Bill Schroeder who shares a common great-great grandmother with Peter.  The two, along with other classmates and close friends, stayed connected with annual picnics out at the Timm Ranch, class reunions every five years, or monthly lunches.

Peter permitted the Dixon High Cross Country Team to run out at the ranch for training and Schroeder said horse riders were allowed to ride on the property as well “as long as they closed the gate,” Schroeder said.

Peter’s grown children live in California; a daughter who is a veterinarian and a son who is an engineer.

Friends will be invited to a Celebration of Life at a later date.